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Our top 10 Pantone colours of the year, ranked

Every December, The Pantone Colour Institute divides the internet with the announcement of its Colour of the Year. Since the year 2000, the company has come together to analyse all sorts of global trends and influences; from film and tv to fashion and everything in between. It often represents the general mood and hopes of the population for the year to come, bringing people together through colour.

After this years’ slightly disappointing announcement, we asked around the office to find out how we’d rank our top 10 Colours of the Year, and here are the results.

Spoiler alert – 2026’s Cloud Dancer didn’t make the cut.

Pantone's 2016 colour of the year, rose quartz, a pale dusty pink colour

#10 – 2016, Rose Quartz

No Pantone Colour of the Year list would feel quite right without including the colour that resonated with Millennials across the world. Brands like Glossier and Kylie Cosmetics spread the love of the peachy, fresh shade of pink, which had seeped its way into wardrobes, cosmetics, and even the iPhone 6S. This one only just made the list thanks to its earth-shattering impact, but colour wise, we have to admit it’s pretty overdone at this point.

Pantone's 2000 colour of the year, cerulean, a soft sky blue

#9 – 2000, Cerulean

Being the first ever official Colour of the Year, Cerulean had to make this list. This pretty sky blue shade feels very serene, and it absolutely reminds us of the late 90s and early 00s frosted blue eyeshadow trend. We’re thankful for the nostalgia, but it just doesn’t have the same oomph of the rest of our top ten picks. Bolder is better. (According to us at Monddi at least).

Pantone's 2013 colour of the year, emerald, a rich cool-toned green

#8 – 2013, Emerald

Taking inspiration from a predicted need for prosperity and wellbeing, Emerald was chosen as 2013s Colour of the Year. This elegant green is full of life, but it simply doesn’t have what it takes to make it any higher up the list. In fact, there’s a noticeable lack in greens across Pantone’s 25 years of selecting its Colour of the Year; perhaps the shade just doesn’t inspire people quite as much as its other bright hues.

Pantone's 2020 colour of the year, classic blue, a deep royal blue

#7 – 2020, Classic Blue

There’s something to be said about the versatility of a true dark blue, and this shade screams confidence. If it wasn’t for the corporate feel of this colour, it would have probably made it a couple spots higher in our list. Classic Blue is a sophisticated and elegant colour, chosen to represent our desire to enter the new decade with stability. If only they knew what we had coming in 2020…

Pantone's 2022 colour of the year, very peri, a blue-leaning rich purple

#6 – 2022, Very Peri

Finally starting to feel the world go back to normal after the devastating heights of the Covid-19 pandemic, people were desperately looking for positivity. For many, curiosity and creativity were high on our agendas, and Very Peri was chosen as an invigorating shade to inspire the masses. This purple-leaning blue felt like a fresh take on the aforementioned Classic Blue, and it still retains that liveliness to this day.

Pantone's 2009 colour of the year, mimosa, a vibrant sunny yellow

#5 – 2009, Mimosa

This vibrant yellow shade made it to the middle of our list due to its association with happy, sunny days. Mimosa in particular sits perfectly between tones, not too bright, and not too dull, making it a versatile and well-loved colour across ages. Plus, its association with a tasty cocktail didn’t do it any harm when it came to the rankings.

Pantone's 2014 colour of the year, radiant orchid, a pink-toned purple

#4 – 2014, Radiant Orchid

There’s something about 2014s Colour of the Year that just appeals to us; the perfect red-based blue, this feels like a hug from an energetic friend. Described as a warm and confident colour, Radiant Orchid wasn’t left behind in 2014. Purple blush and mascara was increasingly popular in 2024, and we’ve heard rumours that purple will take over interior design in 2025 so watch this space, orchid shades are on the comeback.

Pantone's 2011 colour of the year, honeysuckle, a vibrant pink shade

#3 – 2011, Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle screams sweetness, the vibrant shade bringing a sense of playfulness and joy. The pink hue swept the bridal world by storm, making candy pink a go-to for 2010s brides. This colour was selected to help invigorate and inspire people into 2011 and beyond, with its reddish value adding power to an otherwise delicate rose pink. 

Pantone's 2023 colour of the year, viva magenta, a rich pinkish red shade

#2 – 2023, Viva Magenta

Ok, so this colour isn’t too dissimilar to our number 3 pick, and we’re definitely noticing a trend towards warm-toned colours, however this red is much deeper and more punchy than Honeysuckle, making it different enough in our books. Viva Magenta was chosen to represent our turn back to nature amongst the modern, technology filled world. This vibrant and rich hue represents brave and vivacious energy, something I’m sure other designers can appreciate.

Pantone's 2004 colour of the year, tigerlily, a deep orange shade

#1 – 2004, Tigerlily

Tigerlily is a bold and confident shade that represents vivid hues in nature. Despite being picked over 20 years ago, 2004s Tigerlily was a relatively unanimous number 1 among our team. Perhaps signifying how trend cycles come and go, with the 20 year old favourite circling back around, or perhaps simply a testament to how universally appealing this colour is. Plus, orange is kind of our thing so this ranking probably makes sense.